The Platters was one of the most successful vocal groups of the early rock and roll era. One of their greatest hit songs was “The Great Pretender” the song started like this:

“Oh-oh, yes I’m the great pretender
Pretending that I’m doing well
My need is such I pretend too much
I’m lonely but no one can tell

Oh-oh, yes I’m the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
I’ve played the game but to my real shame
You’ve left me to grieve all alone
Too real is this feeling of make-believe”

      To pretend is to speak and act so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact it is not. The body of Christ is full of pretenders! Yes, I said it! If I offended you, please forgive the offense. But I am not sorry for my statement because it is true. Paul also believed that the church was full of pretenders, for he wrote: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” Romans 12:9a (NLT)

      How many of us have told people “I love you,” but we really didn’t mean it? Come on, confession is good for the soul. The good thing about grace is that we get a second chance. So, let us stop pretending to love people and really love them. After all, the only way the world will know that we are Christians is by our love for one another. “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 (NLT)

Be Blessed,

Bishop Jemmott